A Record of Ash & Ruin: The Grieving Lands

Book 2: Chapter 30: Fated Reunion

In the vast expanse of the known lands, there exists a substance that is revered above all else. Known as Dust, it is a treasure coveted by Alchemists, philosophers, artists, clerics, and countless others whose yearnings for inspiration are boundless. Only in the vicinity of the city of Al-Lazar may the Dust be harvested, and its possession is considered a rare and precious gift.

What makes the Dust so alluring is its unique ability to transport its imbiber beyond the humdrum confines of this world. With the smallest of doses, one can escape the monotony of reality and enter a dream of their own making. The Dust is a gateway to worlds beyond imagining, where the limits of the mind are shattered, and the impossible becomes possible.

For those who have suffered the loss of loved ones, the Dust offers a glimmer of solace. A simulacrum of their dearly departed may be summoned in a dream, and for a fleeting moment, they are reunited with those whom they have lost. The rapture experienced by those who have partaken of the Dust has no equal. All other sensory experiences pale in comparison to the ecstasy of the dream.

Truly, the Dust is a gift beyond measure, an elixir that offers a glimpse of a reality beyond our own. It is the ultimate indulgence, a wonder that has captivated the hearts and minds of all who seek to transcend the mundane and touch the sublime.

- The Fanciful Travels by Beron de Laney 376 AC.

Opening the door, I was met by a small and gangly, black-haired youth. Despite his stature, his limbs seemed inordinately long, giving him the impression of a half-starved demi-human.

"Begging your pardon, Sir Gilgamesh... I mean, Honored One," he began in a nervous and reedy voice that did nothing to improve my initial impression of him.

"Yes," I replied flatly, slightly annoyed at being interrupted from my discussion with my companions.

"This one is Dumuzi, and I come to inform you that the evening meal will be served shortly. I bring messages from the Guard Master and our Water Mistress. They both wish to speak to you at your convenience, Honored One," he finished, bowing low, scampering off before I could ask him any questions.

Stepping out of the wagon, I saw our driver stretching, no doubt a little worn from the day's travels. Noticing me looking in his direction, he gave me a small bow before examining the giant Xaruar, hitched to our wagons.

"Many thanks for your smooth driving, Ables," I offered in greeting, an awkward pause ensuing as it took me a few moments to dredge up his name from memory.

"And thanks to you, Honored One. For without you and yours, your man Ables here might have had the worst of it! I saw you out there, like one of 'em heroes out of the old stories!" he almost crooned with a crooked smile before nodding to himself and focusing on his lizard charges.

Following me, my companions stepped out of the wagon. Like Ables, they stretched and breathed deeply of the fresh air. Kidu yawned like a lion, shaking the mane of his hair, which drew a few giggles from Larynda.

We made our way to where our next meal was being prepared, the air between Kidu and Cordelia a little tense. Perhaps a shared meal would go some way to ease things between them. In the short time it took us to get our portions, the Temple Knight had already endeared herself to Larynda by playfully tousling her hair and allowing her to inspect her enchanted sword up close.

The evening meal was a much more muted affair than usual. We were served a humble supper of flatbread and a thick, orange stew with the flavors of carrots and squash, laced with a hint of spice. Despite the ingredients used and its appetizing appearance, it really could have done with a bit more salt.

We ate in silence, the air thick with tension until, unexpectedly, it was Kidu who shattered the uneasy hush. "I am Kidu Kreshin of the Three Bears, companion of Gilgamesh of the lands of Uruk. And you, who have pledged yourself to be his servant. What name do you go by?" he grunted, his gaze fixed on a point in the empty space before him.

Cordelia set down her wooden bowl and turned her head, revealing a striking profile that held me rapt. "I am Cordelia de Aserac, a Temple Knight of Avaria. In the Northern Ice Wastes of the Kar-Kaphon, our goddess is known as Vari among your people, the chooser, and final judge of the slain. I am the third child and youngest daughter of Duke Everard de Aserac of Aranthia. Since I was seven years old, I have received visions from the goddess, instructing me to train and prepare to serve her Herald. My father, a devout man, personally saw to my training in all aspects, so that I could serve Avaria to the best of my ability. When he deemed me ready, I took my vows at the age of thirteen, and for ten years I have devoted myself entirely to her service," she spoke, pausing momentarily to let out a wistful sigh.

"Aranthia, that's really far to the west. Like, well far it is! What's it like?" interrupted Larynda, with an eager and curious voice.

"The kingdom of Aranthia is a just and peaceful kingdom, where the light of Avaria shines brightly. My father's land borders the great grass sea of the Children of the Tides. That was perhaps why I was chosen for this mission to find her Herald. Avaria works in mysterious ways," she answered with a contented smile.

As I was digesting her words, we were interrupted by the Guard Master Khalam, who was dragging a haggard Elwin behind him.

"Gilgamesh. Good evening," Khalam addressed me tersely. He wasted no time in getting to the matter at hand. "This foreigner, Elwin of Tucker, he is your responsibility now.”

The Guard Master sucked in air between his teeth, glancing at Elwin for a moment before he added, “Here is some Zarzar leaf tea from the caravan master; it is to be taken before rest. It will help your ‘friend’ find sleep through the night. After you have finished here, Laes has asked me to tell you to come to his wagon to get your share of the recent spoils. After that, you are to report to Alik for instruction," he informed me, eyes steady and unwavering.

Turning now in Cordelia's direction, "Lady Priestess, it would be unseemly for you to be sleeping in the rough company of men. Laes has made arrangements for different accommodations for you and the girl," he stated, matter-of-factly.

“I think it best that we all stay together,” I countered, unwilling to let go of my new prize.

“A child is one thing, but unmarried women do not sleep with unmarried men, Gilgamesh. This is simply the way of things. I can only offer you my word that both of them will suffer no harm,” pronounced Khalam, head bowed and both palms pressed against the back of his head.

I had seen this gesture before about the camp. It was an expression of supplication, and in the face of such, I found myself automatically nodding in agreement.

“Scripture has never agreed much with me, but I would like you to know that we keep to the gods here. However, in all my years, this is my first time seeing a lady Temple Knight. Whatever will come next… Please, this way, milady,” he offered with a fixed smile.

Cordelia bristled for a moment before her face settled into a disturbingly serene expression, "My thanks, Guard Master," she replied cordially, if not a little forced. "Since I am done with my evening meal, please lead on," she added, rising to her feet.

"As you wish, your err… holiness," Khalam responded awkwardly, caught off-guard by her sudden acceptance.

"Come now, Larynda, let us find a place away from these rough men," she said, smiling a radiant smile at the girl and holding out her hand.

Larynda looked to me and Kidu for permission, and we both nodded to her.

"Go with Cordelia," Kidu and I said at the same time, echoing each other and laughing at the absurdity. A few seconds later, I began to regret my decision as I realized I had lost my Mana battery. Perhaps another investment in Mana regeneration was in the cards upon my next level-up.

Trustingly, the child scampered off to Cordelia's side with an inane grin on her face. Finished with his delivery, Khalam made as if to leave, with Cordelia and Larynda in tow, before turning back to me and throwing a long brown package my way. Surprised, and caught off guard by its weight, I almost dropped the damn thing.

"Ubaid has fully recovered. But, he no longer wishes to have a place among my guard, and he wants you to have this. Truth be told, he never had the mettle for it. Weak. Weak like his mother's people. It is an Azag-Gishban, what you people know as a sword-hammer. May it serve you better than it served him," Khalam explained in a clipped voice before taking a moment, sucking in air through his teeth, "You have done me and mine well. Thank you. Oh, and Water Mistress Ankhset wishes to see you, with the little girl mage over there; she says it's important. I will excuse you from Alik's ministrations this evening," he said offhandedly, before walking off, escorting the lady knight and our budding mage.

Alone with the members of my original party, a silence descended upon us. A silence which was then broken by Elwin, who sputtered a "Thank you… I told them everything," before starting to cry, soft, pathetic, unmanly tears, causing me to recoil. Kidu, once again, surprised me by placing a sympathetic, meaty hand on his shoulder. I believe that seeing his misery up front had quenched much of Kidu's anger towards the Rogue. The man, for all his bluster, had a big heart. It was an awkward, if not touching, moment. But, at the very least, now I wouldn't need to worry about Kidu stabbing Elwin in the middle of the night in the name of honor. Violent as he was, I was forced to conclude that Kidu had learned a skill that had so far eluded me: the ability to let go of a grudge.

“You are safe now, and all is forgiven. I hold no secrets worth a friend's life, anyway,” I stated simply, wanting to extricate myself from this situation. If I really thought about it, I never held much ill will towards Elwin anyway.

Elwin nodded to me and wiped his nose on the sleeve of a borrowed shirt. “Gil,” he croaked, “that woman Cordelia, be careful of her like. Those of the faith can be strange, and capable of almost anything. Sure, she thinks of you as Avaria incarnate now… but, but, just be careful, alright?”

“Perhaps. Can’t have you relying on Kidu and me for protection though. Let’s go about and see what we can do about that. Time to see what Laes has for us,” I chimed with an avaricious smile on my lips, “but first let’s have a look at Ubaid’s present.”